Laser therapy device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A computerized method for controlling the operation of a laser therapy device is disclosed. A laser therapy device comprising laser diodes has a microprocessor for storing and executing instructions pertaining to the operation of the laser diodes within certain parameters. The computerized method detects the movement of the laser therapy device and alters the output of the laser diodes when a movement signal exceeds predetermined threshold parameters. The computerized method detects difference in temperature in certain areas, and patterns in temperature differences, for assistance in diagnosing ailments. The computerized method also detects differences in skin color to determine treatment areas. The computerized method also measures the distance of the laser therapy device to a treatment area. The microprocessor executes instructions then which can alter the output of the laser diodes or generate an alarm signal based on measurements received.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/838,324, filed Dec. 11, 2017, which is a continuation in part of, andclaims benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/618,008, filed Feb. 10,2015, the disclosure of each of which are hereby fully incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to laser therapy devices and moreparticularly to a computerized method for controlling the operation of alaser therapy device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laser therapy is used in many different treatment scenarios, fromAcupuncture through to surgery recovery. The therapeutic value of laserlight was discovered by accident. Surgeons noticed that surgeries thatwere performed using laser scalpels healed faster and better than whenusing traditional metal scalpels. Furthermore, surgical laser devicesrequired only a simple defocusing of the beam to be used effectively fortherapy. Due to this simple re-purposing of existing technology, moderntherapy lasers retain much of the engineering design of their surgicalcousins.

While each treatment modality uses the same basic laser technology toproduce laser light, each has a different requirement for how the lightis emitted from the treatment device. Some modalities require tightfocus of the beam down to a point (acupuncture), others prefer a largerdiffused beam (pain management, wound healing) and certain specializedcases require that the laser light projects the shape of the physiologybeing treated (for example a long rectangle for treating the spine).Laser beam geometries and the limited capabilities of lenses make itdifficult to achieve ideal projections patterns or shapes. Lenses simplytake the poor geometry of the laser beam and expand it to a largerversion of the poor geometry. Traditionally laser therapy devices uselenses to expand the laser beam, but have limited ability to alter thegeometry. Minor differences in the energy level across a laser beam'sgeometry is magnified as the lens expands the beam. Thus the energy usedacross the larger area of treatment is not uniform and treatmentefficacy is diminished. The operator has to compensate for thesedeficiencies by “painting” the treatment area. Some devicesautomatically move the treatment head during use but this approach iscostly. Finally, some devices use multiple laser diodes to produce ashotgun effect to cover a larger area of treatment. What is needed is alaser therapy device which can expand the energy of the laser beam intoa specific geometric area while at the same time creating a uniformenergy distribution across the chosen area.

Laser therapy devices are also becoming increasingly powerful. Whilethis enables greater treatment efficacy, it increases the attendantrisks of operating such devices. There are legitimate concerns aboutusing such devices because of the potential to inadvertently injurepatients if misused. The high energy level of the beam, if not properlyadministered, may burn the patient. What is needed is a laser therapydevice which automatically regulates the energy output of the lasertherapy device during treatment to reduce the risk of such injury.

The present invention is directed toward a cordless, high-powered, lasertherapy device. Current high power therapy lasers are based uponsurgical lasers, due to the maturity of surgical laser technology.However, surgical lasers were developed to be stationary since they wereintended to be used on immobile patients in an operating roomenvironment. There was no requirement to make a surgical laser as ahandheld or cordless device.

Although surgical and therapy lasers are almost identical inconstruction, their uses are very different. These different uses giverise to opportunities for an improved design of a laser device fortherapy, but also present engineering hurdles. Specifically;

(1) Surgical lasers are single-modality devices with correspondinglylimited operating parameters. Surgical lasers are required to cut tissueto a limited depth. Therapeutic laser devices on the other hand are usedfor many different indications.

(2) When used for therapy, laser treatment exhibits so-called “dosedependence”. This means that higher treatment doses generally produce animproved therapeutic outcome. Thus there is a tendency to use higherpower laser therapy devices as this improves both treatment outcomes andthe time (and cost) efficiency of treatment.

(3) Surgical lasers require a single narrow beam of light. Therapylasers require a dispersed beam. Additionally, therapy lasers with adispersed beam improve safety.

(4) Surgical lasers require exact control of power output as thisdetermines the depth of cut. Therapy lasers are concerned more with“dose” or accumulated radiation, so lower power can be used at theexpense of longer treatment time.

(5) Surgical lasers are required to heat tissue so hot that itevaporates, whereas therapy lasers must not be allowed to causediscomfort or tissue damage.

(6) Surgical lasers are directed at a very small area, whereas therapylasers are frequently used to “paint” a treatment area. This results inhigher probability of stray radiation.

Laser therapy devices vary principally in output power. The range is afew milli-Watts to tens of Watts. Like any light source, a laser diodeis not 100% efficient. Waste energy is liberated as heat, so thermalmanagement for high-power laser therapy devices is a significantengineering hurdle. Modern laser diodes are around 50% efficient. Thus50% of the electrical power is converted to light output and the other50% is converted to heat. In high power laser therapy devices, this“waste” heat presents two engineering concerns. The first is that alaser diode's efficiency and life degrade at elevated temperatures. Thesecond is that dumping heat into the surrounding air requires a bulkycooling apparatus. Device overheating and optical fiber couplingproblems are the major causes of device failure.

High power laser therapy devices consume significant electrical power.In order for a laser therapy device to operate as a cordless device,large batteries are required. This causes such a device to be overlybulky and perceived as impractical. Because of these hurdles, lasertherapy devices have historically been tethered to a base station.

Therapy lasers have historically been repurposed surgical lasers.Manufacturers have simply applied different optical heads and softwareto these devices to diverge the beam. Although some of these devices areportable, they are only portable in that all the components can be movedfrom one location to another with relative ease. There has been noself-contained, high power, handheld laser therapy unit. No manufacturerhas yet designed and implemented a therapy laser from scratch because ofthe comparative ease of repurposing surgical lasers. For this reason,the invention and advances described herein are nonobvious. Otherwisethe advances described herein would already be available on the market.

The present invention overcomes these limitations. One embodiment of theinvention is directed toward a cordless, high-powered, laser therapydevice. “High-powered” means any optical power output by the lasertherapy device that emits light output of five (5) Watts or higher,although the same technology can be employed to benefit lower powerdevices. The cordless, handheld, embodiment of the laser provides agreat advantage in situations where a patient requires treatment in aspecific position which would be awkward or impractical to treat with acorded device. Likewise, a cordless, handheld, laser therapy unit wouldbe beneficial for treating animals in the care of a veterinarian.

Due to the limitations in the current state of the art, handheld lasertherapy devices are unable to be high powered. Laser diodes typicallyrequire around 20% of the maximum electrical power before they startemitting light. Therefore at low output power levels the conversion rateof electrical power to optical power is very low. The power requirementtherefore becomes overtly high just to be able to emit a small amount oflight.

The current invention uses a novel approach for improving efficiency ofthe laser diodes at lower output power requirements (and thereforeminimizing electrical consumption). The maximum efficiency of the laserdiodes is when they are operating at maximum specified output power. Theinvention employs two mechanisms for adjusting the total output power ofthe device while the laser diodes are running at maximum output.Firstly, the invention disables a portion of the array of diodes. Thoselaser diodes that are switched on are operating at 100% of output butsince there are fewer, the net light output is reduced. The secondmechanism is to pulse the diodes between off and on at high frequencyand to vary the percentage of time that the diode is in the “on” state.This technique of “Pulse Width Modulation” is used to provide a muchfiner degree of control than selective disabling of parts of the laserdiode array. These two power control methods are using in addition tothe typical proportional control of the laser diode's output.

The current invention also allows the laser to be controlled by acomputer to allow for easier use by an operator. The invention controlsthe operation of the laser diode array only within specific parameters.This allows an operator to utilize the laser therapy device without riskof injury to a patient and thus improves the operation of the lasertherapy device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The invention is directed toward a computerized method for managing theoperations of a laser therapy device. In one embodiment the computerizedmethod comprises emitting one or more laser beam pulses from one or morerangefinder units; receiving, by one or more rangefinder units, one ormore returning target reflections of one more laser beam pulses;determining a time of flight for each of one or more returning targetreflections; determining, by one or more microprocessors, a distancefrom one or more laser rangefinder units to a reflecting treatment area;transmitting a distance reading from one or more laser rangefinder unitsto one or more microprocessor units; and comparing, by one or moremicroprocessor units, said distance reading to a predetermined distance.

The computerized method may further comprise altering, by one or moremicroprocessor units, a laser output of one or more laser diodes when adistance reading exceeds one or more predefined distance parameters. Thecomputerized method may further comprise generating, by one or moremicroprocessor units, an alarm signal when said distance reading exceedsone or more predefined distance parameters. The computerized method mayfurther comprising receiving, by one or more microprocessor units, aninstruction to adjust one or more predetermined distance parameters.

In another embodiment of the invention, the computerized methodcomprises transmitting one or more movement signals from one or moreinertial measurement units to one or more microprocessor units. Thecomputerized method may further comprise altering, by one or moremicroprocessor units, a laser output of one or more laser diodes whenone or more movement signals exceeds one or more predetermined movementparameters. The computerized method may further comprise generating, byone or more microprocessor units, an alarm signal when one or moremovement signals exceeds one or more predetermined movement parameters.The computerized method may further comprise receiving, by one or moremicroprocessor units, an instruction to adjust one or more predeterminedmovement parameters.

In another embodiment the computerized method comprises measuring, by atemperature sensor, a first temperature reading comprising a temperatureof an area to be subjected to an output of one or more laser diodes;measuring, by said temperature sensor, a second temperature readingcomprising a temperature of an area adjacent to said area to besubjected to an output of one or more laser diodes; transmitting saidfirst temperature reading from said temperature sensor to one or moremicroprocessor units; transmitting said second temperature reading fromsaid temperature sensor to one or more microprocessor units; andcomparing, by one or more microprocessor units, said first temperaturereading to said second temperature reading. The computerized method mayfurther comprise altering, by one or more microprocessor units, a laseroutput of one or more laser diodes when a difference between said firsttemperature reading and said second temperature reading exceeds athreshold amount. The computerized method may further comprisegenerating, by one or more microprocessor units, an alarm signal when adifference between said first temperature reading and said secondtemperature reading exceeds a threshold amount. The computerized methodmay further comprise receiving, by one or more microprocessor units, aninstruction to adjust a threshold amount of difference between saidfirst temperature reading and said second temperature reading.

In another embodiment of the invention the computerized comprisesmeasuring, by one or more color measurement devices, a first visualcolor reading comprising a color of an area to be subjected to an outputof one or more laser diodes; transmitting said first visual colorreading from one or more color measurement devices to one or moremicroprocessor units; and comparing, by one or more microprocessorunits, said first visual color reading to a baseline visual colorreading.

The computerized method may further comprise measuring, by one or morecolor measurement devices, one or more second visual color readingscomprising a color of areas adjacent to said area to be subjected to anoutput of one or more laser diodes; transmitting one or more secondvisual color readings from one or more color measurement devices to oneor more microprocessor units; and generating, by one or moremicroprocessor units, said baseline visual color reading. Thecomputerized method may further comprise altering, by one or moremicroprocessor units, a laser output of one or more laser diodes when adifference between said first visual color reading and said baselinevisual color reading exceeds a threshold amount. The computerized methodmay further comprise generating, by one or more microprocessor units, analarm signal when a difference between said first visual color readingand said baseline visual color reading exceeds a threshold amount Thecomputerized method may further comprise receiving, by one or moremicroprocessor units, an instruction to adjust a threshold amount ofdifference between said first visual color reading and said secondbaseline visual color reading.

In another embodiment of the invention the computerized method comprisesreceiving, by one or more microprocessor units, a grip sensor signal;and preventing, by one or more microprocessor units, the emission ofradiation from one or more laser diodes when one or more microprocessorunits fails to receive a grip sensor signal. The computerized method mayfurther comprise determining an amount of time since a last receivedgrip sensor signal. The computerized method may further comprisealtering, by one or more microprocessor units, a laser output of one ormore laser diodes when said amount of time exceeds a predeterminedamount of time. The computerized method may further comprise receiving,by one or more microprocessor units, an instruction to adjust saidpredetermined amount of time.

In another embodiment of the invention the computerized method comprisessimultaneously measuring, by a plurality of temperature sensors, aplurality of independent temperature readings; generating, by said oneor more microprocessor units, a pattern of said plurality of independenttemperature readings; and comparing, by said one or more microprocessorunits, said pattern of said plurality of independent temperaturereadings to a predetermined pattern of temperature readings. Thecomputerized method may further comprise altering, by said one or moremicroprocessor units, a laser output of one or more laser diodes basedupon comparison results. The computerized method may further comprisegenerating, by said one or more microprocessor units, an alarm signalbased upon comparison results. The computerized method may furthercomprise receiving, by said one or more microprocessor units, aninstruction to adjust comparison results.

Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in this art from the following descriptionwherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention,simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out theinvention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of otherdifferent embodiments and its several details are capable ofmodifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions willbe regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described indetail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similarcomponents, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 . is a schematic of the preferred embodiment of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 5 is schematic of the method of the operation of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 6 is schematic of the method of the operation of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 7 is schematic of the method of the operation of the laser therapydevice;

FIG. 8 is schematic of the method of the operation of the laser therapydevice; and

FIG. 9 is schematic of the method of the operation of the laser therapydevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however,that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without anycombination of these specific details, without departing from the spiritand scope of this invention and the claims.

As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module”, “system”,“interface”, or the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. For example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program,and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application runningon a controller and the controller can be a component.

The invention is directed toward a computerized method for controllingthe operations of a laser diode array for a laser therapy device.Referring to FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of the laser therapydevice is illustrated. In this embodiment the laser therapy devicecomprises a light source 1, an inertial measurement unit 2, a rangefinder 3, temperature sensor 4, a color measurement device 5, amicroprocessor unit 6, a user interface 7, a grip sensor 8, a powersource 9, and an optics components 17. The laser therapy device emitsradiation 13 from the light source 1. The radiation 13 is applied to thetreatment area 10 of the patient. The treatment area 10 may be anylocation on the external surface of the skin of the patient or may be asubdermal location.

The laser therapy device may be found in any configuration. The lightsource 1 may be any type of light emitting diode. In the preferredembodiment the light source 1 is a laser diode. The laser therapy devicemay utilize any number of light sources 1.

The inertial measurement unit 2 is a component which measures themovement and position of the laser therapy device. The inertialmeasurement unit 2 may be an accelerometer which measures the movementof the laser therapy device, a gyroscope which measures the position andangle of the laser therapy device, or both.

The range finder 3, is a component which measures the distance from therange finder 3 to the treatment area 10. The range finder 3 can measurethe distance between the range finder 3 and the treatment area by anymeans, such as triangulation or time of flight of a signal. In thepreferred embodiment the range finder 3 determines the distance byemitting a distance signal 14 which is reflected off of the treatmentarea 10 and received by the range finder 3. The range finder 3determines the distance by determining the time of flight of thedistance signal 14. The distance signal 14 may be a laser light or soundpressure waves. In the preferred embodiment the range finder 3 utilizesa laser light beam to determine the distance to the treatment area 10,similar to the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,241 (Trussel,Jr.), the disclosure of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.The laser range finder 3 is an improvement over utilizing solely athermal imaging camera to determine if the laser therapy device ispointed at tissue since hair and clothing can prevent thermal radiationfrom being detected.

The temperature sensor 4 is any type of component which measures thetemperature of the treatment area 10. In the preferred embodiment thetemperature sensor is a non-contact fair infrared temperature sensorarray. There may be one or more temperature sensors 4. In the preferredembodiment the temperature sensor 4 detects and measures infraredemissions 15 from the treatment area.

The color measurement device 5 is any component which measures the colorof the treatment area 10. In the preferred embodiment the colormeasurement device 5 is a camera which detects and measures visiblelight 16 reflected off of the treatment area 10. The color measurementdevice 5 may also be a receptor chip which measures the amount and valueof green light, blue light, and red light received to determine a colorvalue. The color measurement device 5 may also be a component whichmeasures the wavelength of light received.

The microprocessor unit 6 is any type of computer processing unit. Inthe preferred embodiment the microprocessor unit 6 is a master controlunit which stores instructions for operations of the laser therapydevice. In other embodiments the microprocessor unit 6 storesinformation on a database separate from the microprocessor unit 6.

The user interface 7 is any type of component which allows the user toobtain information about the laser therapy device or provideinstructions to the laser therapy device. In the preferred embodimentthe user interface 7 is a touch screen interface. In other embodimentsthe user interface 7 may be a plurality of knobs. In other embodimentsthe laser therapy device may have a display screen which is separatefrom the user interface 7.

The grip sensor 8 is a component which determines that a user is holdingthe laser therapy device. The grip sensor 8 may be located at anyposition on the laser therapy device. In the preferred embodiment thegrip sensor 8 is positioned on the handle of the laser therapy device ina location where a hand is certain to encounter the grip sensor 8. Thegrip sensor 8 may operate in any manner to determine that a user isholding the laser therapy device. The grip sensor 8 may be an electricalcontact that changes resistance when it comes in contact with humanskin. The grip sensor 8 may be a switch that is depressed when a userholds the laser therapy device. The grip sensor 8 may also be apiezoelectric contact which generates an electrical signal whendistorted by a user's hand. Other embodiments of the grip sensor 8 maybe utilized provided that the grip sensor 8 delivers a signal to themicroprocessor unit 6 (or ceases delivering a signal) when a user isholding the laser therapy device.

The power source 9 is any type of component which provides power for theoperation of the laser therapy device. In the preferred embodiment thepower source 9 is a rechargeable battery pack. The power source 9 mayalso be replaceable batteries.

The optics components 17 are one or more specific optical elements whichmay be arranged in any pattern to form the radiation 13 from the lightsource 1 into a specific geometric pattern. In the preferred embodiment,the beam forming optics components 17 are a combination of diffractiveoptical elements (such as lenses and prisms which have the ability toshape the beam of light into a specific shape), refractive opticalelements, and diffusive optical elements. The diffractive opticalelements and diffusers are more versatile and efficiently convert anincident beam into a specific geometric shape with specific energydistribution across a specific pattern. When the light source 1 is anarray of laser diodes, the microprocessor 6 may be programmed to adjustthe output of each individual laser diode so that a specific pattern ofradiation 13 is formed with specific energies formed at specificlocations within the pattern of radiation 13. The optics components 17may contain a specific identification and send an identification signalto the microprocessor 6. Based on the received identification signal,the microprocessor 6 then respectively adjusts the output of thespecific laser diodes in the array.

Referring to FIG. 2 , an alternative embodiment of the laser therapydevice is illustrated. In this embodiment the power source 9 is externalfrom the body of the laser therapy device and is connected by a cable toprovide power to the laser therapy device. In this embodiment the powersource 9 may be a battery or an outlet which the laser therapy device isplugged into.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of the laser therapydevice is illustrated. In this embodiment the laser therapy device isconfigured as a wand which is connected to a base unit by a cable 11. Inthis embodiment the base unit houses the microprocessor unit 6, the userinterface 7, and the power source 9. The power source 9 may be a batteryor an outlet which the base unit is plugged into. The base unit providespower to the wand of the laser therapy device by a cable 11.

Referring to FIG. 4 , and alternative embodiment of the laser therapydevice is illustrated. In this embodiment the base unit also houses thelight source 1. In this embodiment the radiation 13 from the lightsource travels through a fiber optic cable in the cable 11.

The computerized method of the invention may be utilized in anyconfiguration of the laser therapy device illustrated. One skilled inthe art would appreciate that the method could also be utilized in otherconfigurations of a laser therapy device.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the computerized method for utilization of therange finder 3 is illustrated. First the range finder emits a laser beampulse 100. The range finder receives a reflected laser beam pulse 102.The range finder determines the time of flight of the returned laserbeam pulse 104. The range finder determines the distance of thetreatment area to the range finder 106. The range finder transmits thedistance of the reflecting object to the microprocessor 108. Themicroprocessor compares the distance to a set of predetermined distanceparameters 110. For instance, the microprocessor may store a minimumdistance and a maximum distance of the laser therapy device to thetreatment area. The microprocessor then alters the output of the laserdiode when the distance exceeds the predetermined distance parameters112. In addition, the microprocessor may cause the laser therapy deviceto generate an alarm when the distance exceeds the predetermineddistance parameters 114. The microprocessor may diminish the output ofthe laser diode by a certain percentage or may completely disable thelaser diode. The microprocessor may have multiple sets of predetermineddistance ranges- with each predetermined distance causing a separatealteration of the laser diode. For instance, the predetermined distancerange for optimal operation may be three to five inches. Within thisrange the output of the laser diode is 100%. There may be and additionalpredetermined range distance of two to three inches and five to sixinches where the output of the laser diodes is set to 50%. When thedistance is determined to be shorter than two inches or longer than sixinches the microprocessor completely stops the operation of the laserdiodes. If an alarm is generated, the laser therapy device may generateany type of alarm, such as vibrating, sounding an audible alarm, orflashing one or more lights. The alarm may vary depending on the amountof difference between the measured distance and the predetermineddistance parameters. The predetermined distance parameters may be anydistance and may be varied based on instructions provided to themicroprocessor. The distance parameters are any information whichaffects the optimal distance of the laser therapy device to thetreatment area. The distance parameters may include species of animalbeing treated, specific condition being treated, and area of the bodybeing treated. The optimal distance is determined algorithmically basedupon the distance parameters and other parameters of operation.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the computerized method of utilization of theinertial measurement unit 2. The inertial measurement unit (IMU)generates a signal when it detects movement of the laser therapy device200. The movement signal may be directly proportional to the amount ofdisplacement, speed of movement, frequency of movement, or sudden stops.The IMU transmits the movement signal to the microprocessor 202. Themicroprocessor prevents the operation of the laser diode unless themovement signal exceeds a predetermined threshold of motion 204. In thismanner the microprocessor may prevent the accidental emission ofradiation if a user has not picked up and moved the laser therapy deviceinto position. During use the microprocessor alters the output of thelaser diode if it determines that the movement signal exceeds a set ofpredetermined parameters 206. For instance, if the operator accidentallydrops the laser therapy device then the IMU sends a signal to themicroprocessor. The microprocessor determines that the movement exceedsthe acceptable level of movement and stops the operation of the laserdiode. There may be multiple sets of movement parameters where theoperation of the laser diodes is altered by a predetermined percentage.The microprocessor may also cause the laser therapy device to generatean alarm when the movement signal exceeds the predetermined movementparameters 208. The movement parameters may be any information relatedto the movement or lack of movement of the laser therapy device. Themovement parameters may include sudden movement, lack of movement,position of the laser therapy device, amount of time that the lasertherapy device is in a specific position, displacement, acceleration,frequency of movement, amount and severity of vibrations, or any otherinformation related to the movement of the laser therapy device. Themovement signal would be determined to “exceed” the predeterminedmovement parameters if the movement is opposite of the establishedparameters. For instance, if the movement parameters require a lack ofmovement for the proper operation of the laser therapy device then themovement signal exceeds the predetermined movement parameters when themovement signal determines that there has been movement. The oppositionwould also be true, if the predetermined movement parameters requiremovement (such as to prevent injury if the laser therapy device is notmoved) then the movement signal exceeds the parameters when itdetermines that there is a lack of movement.

The inertial measurement unit 2 may also include a gyroscope todetermine the position of the laser therapy device. The gyroscope sendsa position signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may alsogenerate an alarm or alter the output of the laser diodes when theposition of the laser therapy device exceeds a predetermined range ofpositions. In this manner if the laser therapy device is held upsidedown then the microprocessor prevents the laser diode from emittingradiation.

The microprocessor may also prevent damage to tissue by altering theoutput of the laser diodes if an operator does not move the lasertherapy device after a predetermined amount of time. In this manner themicroprocessor determines a predetermined amount of time has passedsince it has received a movement signal 210. The microprocessor altersthe output of the laser diodes when a predetermined amount of time haspassed 212. There may be more than one predetermined amounts of timesuch that the output is decreased in increments over time. In addition,the microprocessor may cause the laser therapy device to generate analarm when the predetermined amount of time has passed 214.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the computerized method of the operation of thetemperature sensor 4 is illustrated. The temperature sensor measures thetemperature of a treatment area 300. The temperature sensor alsomeasures the temperature of an area adjacent to the treatment area 302.The temperature sensor transmits the temperature readings to themicroprocessor 304. The microprocessor then compares the two temperaturereadings 306. The microprocessor may cause the laser therapy device tosignal an alarm when the difference in the temperature readings exceedsa predetermined difference 308. The microprocessor may also alter theoutput of the laser therapy device when the difference in temperaturereadings exceeds a predetermined difference 310. Multiple temperaturereadings may be utilized. There may be more than one predetermineddifferences where the output is altered by different amounts. Thismethod may be utilized in different manners. Laser therapy is oftenutilized on damaged tissue. Damaged tissue naturally has a highertemperature than healthy tissue. In this manner the laser therapy devicemay assist in diagnosing the location of damaged tissue. When themicroprocessor determines the location of tissue which is higher intemperature, the microprocessor may alert the operator to the locationof tissue which may be irradiated. Alternatively, the microprocessor mayautomatically energize the laser diode to irradiate the damaged tissue.In addition, the microprocessor may alert an alarm when the temperaturedrops to signal that the operator is now directing the radiation athealthy tissue. Alternatively, the microprocessor may cease theoperation of the laser diode when the temperature drops since the lasertherapy device is directed at healthy tissue.

In the preferred embodiment the temperature sensor 4 is a non-contactfar infrared array of sensors. The array is configured to take atemperature reading across a wide area of the treatment area 10. Thetemperature sensor 4 thus can detect a plurality of temperature readingssimultaneously. The simultaneous temperature readings on the array canform a pattern of temperature readings formed from some areas in thearray detecting higher temperatures than other areas in the array. Themicroprocessor 6 can determine the pattern of temperature readings fromthe temperature sensor 4. The microprocessor 6 compares the pattern oftemperature readings to known patterns of temperature variations. Theknown patterns of temperature variations are distinctive of knownailments, tissue damage, or healthy tissue. For instance, temperaturereadings of an area where veins are close to the surface of the skinwould naturally show a difference in temperature readings where theveins are present versus the surrounding tissue. The microprocessor maythen generate an alarm signal so that the operator knows to examine thearea with greater attention. In other embodiments the microprocessor 6may alter the output of one or more laser diodes based upon thecomparison results. The microprocessor 6 may completely shut down someor all of the laser diodes based upon the measured pattern.Alternatively, the microprocessor 6 may incrementally decrease theoutput of one or more of the laser diodes based upon the comparisonresults. Alternatively, the microprocessor 6 may generate an alarmsignal based upon the comparison results. The difference between themeasured pattern and the known pattern may be determined by a percentageof overlap or any other known method of comparison. An operator mayalter the instructions of the microprocessor 6 by establishing apredetermined percentage of overlap to be required before themicroprocessor 6 generates an alarm or alters the output of the laserdiodes.

In the preferred embodiment of the computerized method for theutilization of the thermal imaging temperature sensor 4 is utilized fordiagnostic purposes. In this embodiment the thermal imaging sensor 4simultaneously measures a plurality of independent temperature readings.The temperature sensor 4 transmits the plurality of independenttemperature readings to the microprocessor 6. The microprocessor thendetermines the existence of one or more features within the plurality ofindependent temperature readings. As used herein, a “feature” is anygrouping, pattern, trait, or attribute of one or more temperaturereadings within the plurality of independent temperature readings. Forinstance, and without limiting what constitutes a feature, a feature mayinclude an absolute temperature reading of one or more independenttemperature readings; an average temperature reading across multipleindependent temperature readings; a grouping of similar temperaturereadings which exceeds a normal temperature value; a grouping of similartemperature readings which exceeds a predetermined area in size; atemperature gradient; a difference in temperature readings in two pointswhich are within close proximity; a shaped grouping of similartemperature readings; or any other variation within the plurality ofindependent temperature readings. When the microprocessor determines theexistence of a feature, the microprocessor may alter the output of thelaser diodes or may generate an alarm signal. In addition, a user mayprovide instructions to the microprocessor as to what characteristicsare required for the designation of a feature.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the computerized method of the operation of thecolor measurement device 5. The color measurement device 5 operates onthe principle that damaged tissue is a different color from healthytissue due to inflammation. The color measurement device captures animage of normal patient tissue 400. The microprocessor then takes a meanaverage of the color of the patient healthy tissue to generate abaseline reading 402. In another embodiment microprocessor may access astored database of baseline readings rather than form a new baselinereading. In this manner the color reading of the color measurementdevice is compared against a stored absolute value rather than against arelative value created by color measurements taken from healthy tissue.The color measurement device captures an image of treatment area 404.The microprocessor then determines the color of the tissue at thetreatment area 406. The microprocessor compares the color of the tissueat the treatment area to the baseline color of healthy tissue 408. Themicroprocessor may cause the laser therapy device to generate an alarmwhen the difference in color exceeds a predetermined difference 410. Themicroprocessor may also alter the output of the laser diodes when thedifference in color exceeds a predetermined difference 412. This methodmay be utilized to generate an alarm and/or automatically emit radiationwhen the operator directs the radiation at damaged tissue. In addition,the method may be utilized to generate an alarm and/or automaticallycease the emission of radiation when the operator directs the radiationat healthy tissue. There may be more than one benchmarks used todetermine the difference in color such that the laser diodes are alteredin increments based on successive incremental differences in color.

The color measurement device 5 can also be utilized to alter the outputof the laser diodes based upon absolute value readings received by thecolor measurement device. For instance, the pigmentation of a user'sskin, or the existence of a tattoo, can affect the efficacy of lasertherapy treatment. The efficacy of the applied radiation can be improvedby altering the output of the laser diodes for optimal treatment of thetreatment area. For example, the darker the area to be treated, thelower the output power of the laser diodes and the longer time oftreatment. In this manner the color measurement device 5 measures theabsolute color reading of the treatment area. Based upon the colorreading, the microprocessor can then alter the operations of the laserdiodes and operation of the laser therapy device—such as increasing ordecreasing the power output of the laser diodes, adjusting the durationof radiation, or otherwise altering the operations of the laser therapydevice to increase the efficiency of the operations of the device.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the computerized method for operation of the gripsensor 8. The microprocessor receives a grip sensor signal when the gripsensor is activated 500. The microprocessor permits the energization ofthe laser diode when the grip sensor signal is received 502. Themicroprocessor then determines that there is a lack of a grip sensorsignal 504. This happens when the user lets go of the grip. Themicroprocessor may also determine a set period of time from since thegrip sensor signal ceased 506. The microprocessor may cause the lasertherapy device to generate an alarm when the amount of time exceeds apredetermined amount of time 508. The microprocessor then alters theoutput of the laser diode when the amount of time since the grip signalceased exceeds a predetermined amount of time 510.

In any of the computerized methods the microprocessor can adjust theoperation of the laser therapy device and output of the laser diodes.The microprocessor 6 can alter or otherwise modify the treatmentparameters of the treatment area 10. For instance, the microprocessor 6can alter the power of the output of the laser diodes, the time fortreatment of the treatment area, the optimal distance for treatment, orany other parameter which affects the efficacy of the application of theradiation 13 to the treatment area 10.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matterare possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended toembrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intendedto limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guidethe reader through the description of the methods. Further, anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting theelement to the singular.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logicalblocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspectsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposeprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor maybe a microprocessor unit, but, in the alternative, the processor may beany conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or statemachine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessorunit, a plurality of microprocessor units, one or more microprocessorunits in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.Alternatively, some steps or methods may be performed by circuitry thatis specific to a given function.

In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosedherein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module, whichmay reside on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium. Tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage media may beany available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way ofexample, and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable mediamay comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium that may be used to store desired program code in the form ofinstructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer.Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and blu-raydisc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discsreproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above shouldalso be included within the scope of non-transitory computer-readablemedia. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may resideas one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on atangible, non-transitory machine readable medium and/orcomputer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computerprogram product.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method to be performed by a lasertherapy device wherein said laser therapy device comprises one or morelaser diodes; one or more microprocessor units; one or more colormeasurement devices; wherein said computerized method comprisesmeasuring, by said one or more color measurement devices, a visual colorreading comprising a color of an area to be subjected to an output ofsaid one or more laser diodes; transmitting said visual color readingfrom said one or more color measurement devices to said one or moremicroprocessor units; altering, by said one or more microprocessorunits, a laser output of said one or more laser diodes based on saidvisual color reading; and wherein the laser therapy device is offsetfrom the area by some non-zero distance.
 2. The computerized method asin claim 1, wherein said area is a subdermal location.
 3. Thecomputerized method as in claim 2, wherein the non-zero distance isbetween two inches and six inches.
 4. The computerized method as inclaim 2, wherein the non-zero distance is three to five inches.